About FACE: the applications of a structured approach to mentalhealth information

Abstract

This article describes the Functional Analysis of Care Environments (FACE), and demonstrates some of its'applications in mental health services. FACE is a recording and measurement technology designed to integrateclinical and management information. Its major features are a multi-axial framework and measurement tools forassessment and outcome recording. Structured information about mental and physical well being, social circumstancesand environmental functioning was recorded for 520 clients receiving either 'assertive' or 'community' forms of mentalhealth care. The information generated formed the basis for comparison between clients, identified significantdifferences between the two client groups, and highlighted treatment effectiveness.